Staff Book and Media Recommendations

Maisie Dobbs

Jacqueline Winspear

If you want a good mystery that isn't drenched in suspense, but delivers a thoughtful and tender story, this book is for you. This novel is set in post-World War I London. Maisie Dobbs, the novel's heroine, has recently set up a private detective agency. Maisie's intelligence, intuition and charm assist her in solving a bizarre case involving the mysterious deaths of seriously disfigured veterans who have been living away from society on an estate in the country.

The story does not solely revolve around this mysterious estate, but also traces Maisie's own journey, as a youth maneuvering through various social classes, to attending Cambridge, and eventually to her training as a nurse in France during World War I.

This novel thoughtfully explores the aftermath of war and the wounds it inflicts on veterans, their loved ones and society in general. Indeed, Maisie herself is healing from invisible war wounds, including dealing with the terrible things she witnessed as a nurse on the battlefield and the loved-ones she lost.

Overall, this is a very well written, satisfying mystery. Thankfully, this is the first in a series of novels starring Maisie Dobbs. So, for fans of this book, there are several more mysteries to look forward to Maisie Dobbs solving. ~ Abigail Bibee

Reviewed December 2009